Printable Neurokinship Winter

Letter from the Editor

NeuroKinship is published by The Local Umbrella, led by social worker and entrepreneur Robyn Killey.

As an organisation, we believe in building community connection and individual capacity through listening, learning and growing together.

This magazine brings our community stories, collective wisdom, local services and lived experience perspectives together in one place.

Our hope is that this will serve to equip and empower our community, bringing about greater acceptance of diversity, more knowledge about living with and supporting psychosocial disabilities, and a recognition of the joys and struggles we all face day to day

If you'd like to advertise with us, recommend services to feature, or share your story, please email admin@thelocalumbrella.com.au

WINTER EDITION

Letter from the Editor

Service Spotlight | The Local Umbrella

Article | Unpacking Parallel Play

Service Spotlight | Blossom Paediatric Physio

Brain Break | Spot The Difference and Riddle

Service Spotlight | The Side by Side Collective

Article | Creating Inviting Play Spaces

Reflective Moment | Difficult Moment Mantras

Activity Highlight | Tinker Time

Brain Break | Mindful Colouring

Service Spotlight | Your Next Steps

Community Knowledge | Latest Product Picks

Feature | New to NDIS? The Basics Explained

Community Knowledge | Neuroaffirming Services

Brain Break | Quote Page

Activity Spotlight | Create & Chat Art Group

Brain Break | Mindful Colouring

Community Knowledge | Winter Book List

Reflective Moment | Tree of Life Reflection

Feature | Navigating Relationships and Red Flags

Brain Break | Crossword and Word Wheel

Service Spotlight | Choice Mental Health

Activity Spotlight | Kaleidoscope Supported Events

Reflective Moment | Notes and Reflective Prompts

Page 1

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Page 6

Page 7

Page 8

Page 9

Page 10

Page 11

Page 12

Page 13

Page 14

Page 16

Page 17

Page 18

Page 19

Page 20

Page 21

Page 22

Page 25

Page 26

Page 27

Page 28

Supporting

Sensory

U N P A C K I N G P A R A L L E L P L A Y

What is parallel play?

Playing independently in the presence of another person. When focusing on neurodivergent young people, this concept often refers to side-by-side play with no pressure or expectation to engage or interact.

Why is it preferred for many neurodivergent kids?

Neurodivergent kids often have special interests, and prefer to play in a particular way. There can be many underlying social expectations and unspoken social roles in collaborative play, which can be difficult to understand, and stressful to navigate. Learning through play alongside others can encourage connection, without forcing interaction

How do social connections form through parallel play?

When children find shared interests and commonalities, natural engagement is more likely to form. There can often be an unintentional expectation from parents and caregivers for 'connection' with peers to occur in a way that is more familiar or typical for them. The reality is that everyone's experience of the world is different, and while encouraging some level of engagement in the social world is healthy and important, it may look different than some of us imagined Friendships may form through online communication, experiencing the world alongside one another, finding a loved special interest to discuss, or feeling secure in the same physical space while undertaking separate tasks.

What are some affirming ways to encourage & support parallel play?

Observe, Listen, Support, Affirm. Allow your child to take the lead, and listen when they share what makes them most comfortable. When introducing new environments or groups of people, offer options for parallel play or active engagement; majority of the time your child will gravitate toward what is most comfortable for them in each scenario. Allow for supported times of play with others, keeping the pressure and demands low, and the option for independent play available.

Blossom Paediatric Physiotherapy works with children from 0 - 12 years old.

Director and therapist Emma has a special interest in providing effective and meaningful intervention and advocacy for infants and toddlers from 0-3 years old with developmental delays and neurological conditions.

Emma also has years of experience working with children with a range of diagnosis including genetic conditions, orthopaedic concerns, ASD and ADHD, Global Developmental Delay, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Chronic Pain, and much more.

At Blossom, functional, play based therapy is used to support children in achieving their goals. Using thorough assessments we determine the most relevant and effective approach to take to progress and support healthy development. Providing education and building the skills of the child's parents, guardians and care givers is an essential part of our work, and ensures the child is receiving therapeutic interventions across their day for the best outcome.

Blossom Paediatric Physiotherapy has a clinic within Croydon Medical Centre, as well as providing mobile physiotherapy services within the City of Maroondah, Yarra Ranges Shire, City of Knox, City of Whitehorse and City of Monash.

Services can be accessed using NDIS funding for eligible participants. as well as through Medicare, Private Health Insurance and private funding. Assessments and reports can be completed for NDIS applications and reviews.

"Emma's passion for supporting families to thrive is so clear from the way she engages and delivers support. When it comes to allied health professionals, she's definitely one of the good ones." Social Worker in Collaborative Care Team

"She actually listened to me and gave suggestions and strategies that suited my child, and worked!" Mum of 3 year old NDIS participant accessing Early Intervention Supports

What is the next number in the sequence? 1, 11, 21, 1211, 111221, 312211, ?

THE Sidebyside COLLECTIVE

Supporting neurodivergent young people and their families to engage in community life and access support networks

Connecting, advising, supporting and facilitating inclusion & nuanced engagement in schools, businesses and the wider community through an affirming and non-ableist lens

To get involved, request delivery of staff training or seek advocacy services from our social support team, please email thesidebysidecollective@gmail.com

CREATING INVITING PLAY SPACES

1. Think about height and accessibility. Getting down and viewing the world from their perspective can be a really helpful way to choose where things go. Then arrange shelves, toys, posters etc. to be easily accessed and viewed. This can also increase independence and ownership over the space for children, and help with tidy up time!

2. Less is more. Reduce the volume of toys and furniture and avoid visual clutter. Whether you do toy rotation, have all items on display, or use tubs/cupboards, children (and adults!) are more creative and engage more actively in play when there are less options. This also allows more space for activities, movement of items, additions of new toys. The added positive effect is that blank space around items allows 'breathing room' and reduces overwhelm from sensory input.

3. Having indoor plants in or near your play space can help reduce stress and calm the nervous system, for children and adults alike. Snake plants and succulents are a hardy option, and children may like to assist with caring for the plants too. (For kids who are more boisterous or in the 'dumping' phase, you may consider heavier stones on top of soil, or fake plants as a first step.

4. Stock with games and activities your kids are into, not what you wish they were into. Some options to extend play are a good idea, but ensure that your play space is meeting the interests and needs of its users in their current stage.

DIFFICULT MOMENT

MANTRAS

BREATHING IN 'I AM OKAY' BREATHING OUT 'I WILL BE OKAY'

My child is having a hard time, not giving me a hard time.

No matter what today brings, I know I am valuable and I am doing my best

MOMENT BY MOMENT WHAT IS MY BEST CHOICE FOR THIS MOMENT I AM IN?

I can ask for help when I need it, that is bravery and self-compassion, not weakness.

Support Coordination and NDIS Consultancy

shannon@yournextsteps.co

(03) 8736 1705

www.yournextsteps.co

We are Cassandra (she/her) and Shannon (he/him/they/them), and we provide support coordination and NDIS consultancy.

Essentially, we’re your NDIS problem-solvers, here to work through roadblocks and get your NDIS experience back on track.

We work from our office in the Building Better Brains suite on Croydon Main St (just down the road from The Local Umbrella) and via telehealth.

All you need to do is make an appointment, bring along your plan and to-do list; and we’ll sit together and work through it one step at a time. We know lots of amazing local and telehealth providers who are neuro-affirming, so we can help you put together a strong team to support you.

Both of us are neurodivergent and so are our children, so we have a specific focus on supporting other neurodivergent people and families.

We are also part of the LGBTQIA+ community and have experience supporting and advocating for trans and gender-diverse people at work, school and in the community.

You can get in touch via phone (03 8736 1705) or email (shannon@yournextsteps.co), depending on what is most comfortable for you.

We look forward to helping you with your NDIS journey!

A local service where Neurodivergent Support Coordinators partner with you to engage a Neuro-Affirming Support Team that works toward your goals

Latest Picks for Sensory Support

Loop Earplugs

Price Range: $35-$90

These fantastic ear plugs filter noise to reduce auditory input and decrease sensory overwhelm. With a range of options suited to different needs and environments, these are a great, discreet alternative to ear muffs or noise cancelling headphones

Neptune Mellow Mat

Price Range $189-$469

This cushioned mat is a must-have in any home, especially for those who enjoy sensory feedback while moving and relaxing Easy to vacuum, wipe and steam, this rug is perfect for the lounge room, play area or bedroom, offering such wonderful plush comfort and warmth you won't want to get up off the floor!

Spiky Acupressure Rings

Price Range: $1-$5

01 03

02

These simple spiky rings provide deep pressure input when rolled up and down on the fingers They are an affordable little addition to your sensory toolkit, and come in a range of colours

The coffee-lovers trifecta- support your fidgeting needs, support the environment, and keep your coffee hotter for longer.

Made from a biopolymer utilising recycled coffee husk, this keep cup features a ridged design which reduces heat exposure, while also providing a stimulating sensory experience.

Huskee Keep Cups

Price Range $10-25

04

Self-managed, Plan-managed or NDIA-managed: What's the difference?

Self-Management means you are responsible as a participant, or nominee, for managing your NDIS funds This gives you the choice and flexibity of choosing your providers, negotiating costs and choosing how your funding is spent, in line with your goals and the NDIS guidelines This means you will often pay for services up front and be reimbursed by the NDIS after submitting receipts/invoices through your NDIS portal

Plan-management means that all supports are invoiced through a designated plan manager They are responsible for paying invoices and claiming these funds from the NDIS. They will help to keep track of your budget and ensure services utilised align with your allocated budget.

Agency-management means the NDIA itself manages your funding and supports. You will be guided by the NDIA through options of local registered service providers, however funding is locked in through service bookings and there is less autonomy and transparency for participants.

Core, Capacity Building & Capital Support Budgets. What are they used for?

Core supports are those that help with everyday activities, this includes consumables, support workers, cleaning and maintenance, and transport. This funding can be used flexibly across the different categories.

Capacity Building Supports help to increase your independance and skills. This includes therapies, skill development training for community participation, finding a job, imporiving health and well-being, and also includes support coordination and plan management.

Capital Supports are for assistance technology and home modifications related to your disability. This may include wheelchairs, personal care aids, communication devices, and modifications such as ramps, hand rails, renovations or specialist disability accomodation.

What is an LAC (Local Area Coordinator)?

What support do they provide?

Your LAC will often be your first point of contact with the NDIS. They will help develop your plan, connect you with community supports, monitor your plan and undertake plan reviews. They also provide an important role in engaging with local organisations, communities and local government to raise awareness and improve opportunities for people with disability to access and participate in community activities. It is important to note that LAC's do not provide case management, and for those requiring additional support to engage services and manage their plan, usually funding will be allocated for support coordination or psychosocial recovery coaching.

Registered vs Unregistered Providers. Does it matter who supports us?

If you are NDIA-managed, only registered NDIS Providers can deliver approved supports to participants. For self-managed and plan-managed participants, support can be utilised from both registered and unregistered providers. Providers who are registered with the NDIA have been through an approval process, and can claim payments directly from the NDIS. Unregistered providers will invoice either the plan manager, or the participant to manually claim funds. Being registered does not necessarily mean better service provision, however it does mean these services are more highly monitored by the NDIA.

Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaches. What do they do?

Recovery coaches work with participants, their families, carers, support services and other organisations to coordinate supports and make sure participants get the most out of their NDIS plan.

Recovery coaches share some of the role of support coordinators but have an expert understanding of mental health and the challenges faced by people with psychosocial disabilities and so can deliver more targeted coordination.

General NDIS Enquiries: 1800 800 110 enquiries@ndis.gov.au

Outer Eastern Suburbs LAC: 1800 242 696

outer east melbLAC@ndis gov au

Inner Eastern Suburbs LAC: 1800 242 696

inner.east.melbLAC@ndis.gov.au

Early Childhood PartnerLink Health & Community: 1800 546 532

ECEI.LINK.LCHS@ndis.gov.au

Who is she, anyway?”

“Being normal is being completely unique because nobody’s the same. Normal, honey?

-Jonathan van ness-

Neuroaffirming Services: Community Recommendations

BUILDING BETTER BRAINS

Therapeutic Services

58 Main Street, Croydon buildingbetterbrainsenquiries@gmail.com

(03) 8719 1218

POSITIVE WELLBEING PSYCHOLOGY

Psychological Services

64 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern

Boutique psychology practice, Malvern info@positivewellbeingpsychology

(03) 9939 2111

SPECTRUM HOUSE PSYCHOLOGY

Developmental Psychology Level 1, Suite 1, 50 New Street Ringwood Level 1, 218-220 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn info@spectrumhouse net

(03) 9888 4000

SAFE AND SOUND COUNSELLING

Online Counselling for Neurodivergent Adults https://safeandsoundcounselling.com.au/

WHOLE HOME IN MIND

Counselling and Therapeutic Decluttering

Mobile In-Home Services robyn@wholehomeinmind com au 0423 244 589

YOUR NEXT STEPS Support Coordination shannon@yournextsteps.co

(03) 8736 1705

BURKE AND BEYOND

Vocational and Independent Living Skills

Blackburn, Dandenong, Pakenham, Ringwood www.burkeandbeyond.org.au admin@burkeandbeyond.org.au

(03) 9886 1111

BLOSSOM PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY Paediatric Physio

Croydon Medical Centre and Mobile Service

hello@blossomphysio com au 0492 977 372

KUDOS PAEDIATRICS

Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics Level 1, Suite 1, 50 New Street, Ringwood (03) 8658 9660

THE LOCAL UMBRELLA Group Programs and Supported Employment Provider Main Street, Croydon

www thelocalumbrella com au (03) 8201 7999

VERY HELPFUL CHATS

Telehealth Psychology & Assessment Services www veryhelpfulchats com au admin@veryhelpfulchats com au (02) 7226 3543

YOUR MIND MATTERS

Psychology services

19/270 Ferntree Gully Rd, Notting Hill, VIC 3168 https://yourmindmatters.net.au/ (03) 9802 4654

CREATE & CHAT

Fridays 1.00pm-2.30pm

An inclusive and accessible gathering of adults focused on crafting, creating and connecting with others

Facilitated by AuDHD Art Therapist

Emma Morris

Hosted at The Local Umbrella, Croydon during afternoon 'quiet hours'

Bookings via admin@thelocalumbrella.com.au

OurWinterBookList

UnmaskingAutismbyDrDevonPrice

Different,NotLessbyChloeHayden

TheAutismandNeurodiversitySelf-AdvocacyHandbookbyBarbCookandYennPurkis

ChangingourMinds:HowchildrencantakecontroloftheirownlearningbyNaomiFisher

Obsessed:AmemoirofmylifewithOCDbyAllisonBritz

TheBrainForestbySandhyaMenon

SomeBrainsbyNellyThomas

TheRabbitWhoWantsToFallAsleepbyCarl-JohanForssenEhrlin

What brings light into your life and helps you grow?

What do you create and put out into the world?

What supports you and keeps you strong?

What needs to be let go of in order for you to flourish in this season?

What grounds and nourishes you?

Navigating Relationships: red flags and safety planning

Written by Joab McMicking

Your home you regulat supports ready and waiting Your favourite chair, your favourite mug, pillow, person or pet

Sadly, sometimes this isn’t the case, and sometimes, home can even be deadly The statistics are horrifying, and they show that family violence occurs in every part of society, and on average, takes the life of one woman in Australia every week

Whatever your education level, whatever your income, sexual orientation, religion or age, anyone can find themselves in a situation that is hurtful and destructive.

Family Violence can be directed towards a domestic partner, between siblings, towards an elder, or a child. It occurs in private, often from someone that we are told should provide security and love, so we suffer silently and keep it secret.

With over one third of women with disabilities in Victoria having experienced some form of intimate partner violence, it is important that people understand when to seek help.

"If you think you are at risk, please seek advice from a specialised family violence worker."

"Whatever your education level, whatever your income, sexual orientation, religion or age, anyone can find themselves in a situation that is hurtful and destructive."

Navigating relationships can be especially difficult for people with a neurodivergence or disability. We can struggle with communication or finding the meaning in what others say and do. We all have a survival instinct that we can call a red flag. If that red flag is raised, without a doubt, it is always safer to err on the side of caution and take action

The questions and action steps I list below are generalised and barely scratch the surface of what is a very complicated subject Every human relationship is unique and has to be looked at individually and in context

If you think you are at risk, please seek advice from a specialised family violence worker

If you are in danger, please call 000

Joab lives in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, and is a proud neurodivergent father of two neurodivergent kids Joab works in the field of community services with a special interest in support for ND families and education support Joab has an eclectic array of skills and experience; from juggling to wine making, and recently delved into the art of horology (watchmaking)

A few red flags in intimate relationships:

Social isolation. Are you restricted from contact with other people, or does your partner insist on monitoring your social contacts?

Location Monitoring. Does your partner need to know where you are and when you will be home at every minute?

Online monitoring Does your partner monitor your online presence?

Financial autonomy Do you have control or even access to your own money?

Physical Violence. Has your partner ever been physically violent towards you, or do they have a history of violence towards other people?

Verbal Abuse Is your partner verbally abusive towards you or threatened you, or your children or pets?

Feeling scared or nervous when interacting with your partner. This may include 'walking on eggshells' avoiding certain topics, worrying they will react negatively

nextstepsyoucantake:

TalktoaprofessionalSpecialisedfamily violenceworkerscangiveappropriateadvicefor yourindividualsituationandwhatstepsyoucan take.

Haveasafeplacetogo.Getyourselfandyour lovedonesawayfromharm.

Changeyourpasswordsfordevices,social mediaaccountsandbanking.

Turnofflocationservicesonyourdevices,and removeanyunknownappswhichcouldbeused tomonitoryouractivity.

ReachoutTalktoyourtrustedfriendsand family,letthemknowwhatisgoingon.Ifyoufeel isolated,youcouldsharewithcolleaguesat work,teachersorotherparentsatschool,health professionals,evenyourhairdresser!Describing yoursituationcanbothclarifyanyredflagsand findhelp

Be prepared, and develop a safety plan:

Keep an emergency amount of money and copies of essential documents somewhere you can access at any time

Safety Plan Template

Give your trusted contacts a code word for if things are getting scary. Something that lets them know to step in and get you safe.

Document any instances of violence, threats, controlling behaviours including text messages, videos, voice recordings and journal entries to create a footprint of evidence. (ARC is a password protected app where you can save and log family instances, documents etc It enables people to identify patterns of behaviour that make them feel scared, unsafe, undermined or intimidated, record their experiences, and tell their story.)

Professional Support Services

1800 737 732 -1800RESPECT

24hrs 7 days a week confidential information support and counselling

1800 271 150 - The Orange Door

Croydon – Specialised Family Violence Service

1300 78 99 78 - Mensline

1300 360 391 - Child Protection Intake Eastern Division

To report concerns for the safety & welfare of a child, including abuse, neglect or exposure to family violence incidents

1800 729 367 - Rainbow Door

A free specialist LGBTIQ+ helpline that supports individuals and families of all ages and identities with family violence, including intimate partner violence, elder abuse, sexual assault and relationship issues.

There are many support services available in the community. The increased funding going towards family violence services has seen a growth in both specialised services such as The Orange Door and training in identifying and responding to family violence by general community service workers, healthcare professionals and emergency services

phone: 1800 729 367 (10am to 6pm, every day) text: 0480 017 246

email: support@rainbowdoor org au www.rainbowdoor.org.au

Please remember:

Abuse and/or violence in families is dangerous and prevalent, and seldom if ever resolves itself without incident or intervention.

Call 000 if you are in danger

"Abuse and/or violence in families is dangerous and prevalent, and seldom, if ever, resolves itself without incident or intervention."

Word Wheel

Find as many words as you can with 3 or more letters. All words must contain the centre letter.

Target: 135 words

9 Letter Word: _____________________

K K KA A ALE LE LEIIID D DE E ES S SC C CO O OP P PE E E: ::

SUPPORTED SUPPORTED SUPPORTED SOCIAL SOCIAL SOCIAL EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

KARAOKE KARAOKE KARAOKE, ,, BINGO BINGO BINGO, ,, BOARDGAMES, BOARDGAMES, BOARDGAMES, SPEED-FRIENDING SPEED-FRIENDING SPEED-FRIENDING, ,,

SENSORYPLAY SENSORYPLAY SENSORYPLAY, ,, POKER POKER POKER, ,, DISCO DISCO DISCO, ,,

VIDEOGAMES VIDEOGAMES VIDEOGAMES ANDMORE... ANDMORE... ANDMORE...

FFRIDAYNIGHTSINCROYDON FRIDAYNIGHTSINCROYDON RIDAYNIGHTSINCROYDON AALLABILITIESWELCOME ALLABILITIESWELCOME LLABILITIESWELCOME

AAGES18+ AGES18+ GES18+

$$110PPINCLUDESDINNER,DRINKS& $110PPINCLUDESDINNER,DRINKS& 110PPINCLUDESDINNER,DRINKS& FFACILITATEDACTIVITYWITHSUPPORT FACILITATEDACTIVITYWITHSUPPORT ACILITATEDACTIVITYWITHSUPPORT WORKERS WORKERS WORKERS

BROUGHTTOYOUBY:

notes & reflections

Prompts:

How can I strengthen my supportive networks?

Who could I reach out to for help?

How am I feeling about my diagnosis?

Is there something new I have learned or discovered today?

What expectations have I been holding on to?

What am I grateful for in my life?

above andcuriosity kindness judgement